KAMPALA, March 29 (Xinhua) -- Uganda has heightened security to ensure public safety during the Easter holidays, which began on Friday, and cautioned the public about terror threats from Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels, a military spokesperson said.

Maj. Charles Kabona, the first infantry division army spokesperson based in the central district of Wakiso, told reporters that the Uganda People's Defense Forces and other security agencies have intensified patrols and deployed personnel to protect people travelling during holidays, ensure peace, safety and security.

"As we are entering this Easter festival from today (Friday) up to Monday, there are some negative elements, people with criminal minds, especially ADF, who have penetrated and entered our country with the intention of attacking places of gathering and killing our Ugandans," said Kabona.

"We are cautioning you. Be vigilant and security cautious. We are working around the clock to ensure we protect the lives of Ugandans and their property, as we have been doing before," he said.

Uganda continues to face threats from the ADF, a rebel group based in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The ADF, also a branch of the Islamic State in Central Africa, has been blamed for causing havoc and mounting attacks in the North Kivu and Ituri provinces in eastern DRC.